The Civilising Skirt – Exhibition Black Fig Gallery

Discover a rare and culturally rich exhibition at Black Fig Gallery this June with The Civilising Skirt – a remarkable collection of Omie tapa (beaten bark cloth) artworks from Papua New Guinea.

The exhibition explores the ancient traditions of the Omie people, where tapa holds deep cultural significance dating back to the story of Saja, the first woman on earth in Omie belief, who created the first wraparound tapa skirt.

Following the end of traditional initiation tattooing ceremonies, many intricate tattoo motifs were preserved through tapa art, creating extraordinary works filled with symbolism, nature and storytelling. Visitors can experience richly detailed pieces featuring birds, mountains, suns, python skin motifs and rare natural pigments, including the highly unusual use of green within Pacific tapa traditions.

Private early access tickets are available for an exclusive champagne floor talk with Joan Winter on opening night. Numbers are limited.